As of today, having a stable ExpressVPN is more important than ever before. Bearing in mind, using the Internet these days is more daunting than ever. Especially, with many types of cybersecurity threats. That’s why there’s only one true way to use the internet privately.
And as such, that’s where the use of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) comes in handy. Whether you want to watch region-specific content or create a secure home office environment, VPNs can be more useful now than ever.
In reality, ExpressVPN is one of the many organizations offering VPN service solutions on a worldwide scale. That said, let’s now elaborate more about it and how the service works in detail. But first, let’s list down the key types of VPN.
The Key Types of VPN:
Commercial VPN: A commercial VPN, also called a Personal VPN or a Consumer VPN, is a private service offered directly to individuals, usually for a fee. ExpressVPN is such a VPN service because it directly caters to the privacy needs of its customers.
Corporate VPN: A Corporate VPN, also called a Business VPN, allows an organization’s remote employees to connect securely to the internet as if they were physically present in the office. Unlike commercial VPNs, however, corporate VPNs are meant to protect the privacy of the company and not necessarily the individual.
Self-Setup VPN: Some tech experts and DIY hobbyists choose to set up their own VPN using their own equipment. However, Self-Setup VPNs do not provide the protection of shared IP addresses. Or even server locations in multiple countries, as well as many other features enjoyed by commercial VPN users.
The most important quality to consider when choosing a VPN service is trust. While also, keeping in mind, a trustworthy VPN provider such as ExpressVPN;
- is transparent in its privacy policy
- has been independently audited
- designs its systems to avoid storing personal data
- shows a consistent commitment to internet privacy and digital freedom
Thereafter, choose your VPN based on the features you need, such as VPN server locations, compatibility with all the devices you own, and unlimited bandwidth.
What Is ExpressVPN?
On one side, ExpressVPN is an organization that provides numerous VPN (aka Virtual Private Network) solutions. On the other side, VPN is the easiest and most effective way for people to protect their internet traffic. Whilst, keeping their identities private online.
As you connect to a secure VPN server, your internet traffic goes through an encrypted tunnel. More so, tunnels that nobody can see or get into. Such encrypted tunnels include hackers, governments, and your internet service provider.
Consumers use VPNs to keep their online activity private and ensure access to sites and services that might otherwise be restricted.
Companies use VPNs to connect far-flung employees as if they were all using the same local network at a central office, but with fewer benefits for individuals than a personal VPN.
In short, a Virtual Private Network is an encrypted private connection between two machines. If you want to create a secure remote office environment, VPNs can be more useful now than ever.
Related Topic: What is Incognito Mode Browsing? Surfing the Net Privately
Eventually, ExpressVPN offers you inclusive VPN services that just work (learn more). Currently, they even have a special deal for all its customers of 12 Months + 3 Months FREE (get started). In addition, you’ll get access to all ExpressVPN apps and unlimited high-speed bandwidth in 3 easy steps!
Generally, it’s hard for a free VPN to match the features and service of a quality paid VPN provider. With free VPNs, you are more likely to experience slow connections bogged down by a flood of users on suboptimal networks, no customer support, weak security, and a small number of VPN server locations to choose from.
The Key Features of ExpressVPN
What’s more? Well, there’re so many considerable key features of ExpressVPN service solutions to consider. For instance, they’ve got stronger data protection. Allowing you to take charge of your online privacy and security with best-in-class encryption.
Secondly, it offers Internet Without Borders. In order to access the content, you love, anywhere in the world. Breakthrough geoblocks as such. While at the same time, there’s Lightning-Fast Connectivity. Their VPN network is built for speed, powered by next-generation technology.
In general, each and every ExpressVPN subscription comes jam-packed with all the great features you’d expect from the world’s best VPN. Not only that but, you’ll get all these key VPN features and more, 100% risk-free.
In that case, get a risk-free VPN trial with all the features of ExpressVPN. After all, if you’re not satisfied, you can Contact Support within 30 days and get your money back. It’s that simple! But, before even getting started, make sure that you’ve seen all the features in detail.
Where are VPNs used?
Technically, in order to understand how a VPN works, it helps to first understand how your internet connection works without one. A VPN or Virtual Private Network is an encrypted private connection between two machines. So, what happens without a VPN?
When you access a website without a VPN, you are being connected to that site through your internet service provider, or ISP. The ISP assigns you a unique IP address that can be used to identify you to the website. Because your ISP is handling and directing all your traffic, it can see which websites you visit.
And also, due to the fact that your activity can be linked to you by that unique IP address. What about when you’re using a VPN? Likewise, when you connect to the internet with a VPN, the VPN app on your device (also called a VPN client) establishes a secure connection with a VPN server.
Learn More: VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) | Their Work & Applications
To enumerate, your traffic still passes through your ISP, but your ISP can no longer read it or see its final destination. The websites you visit can no longer see your original IP address, only the IP address of the VPN server, which is shared by many other users and changes regularly.
By all means, when you use a VPN, your PC or other smart device connects to another computer called a server. Your device will then use that server’s information to browse the internet rather than its true network information.
Any site tracking user data would then see the VPN server’s information rather than your device’s information. But, there are some more situations in which a VPN is especially workable. Below are some of those use case scenarios:
Traveling:
Exploring the world doesn’t mean you have to change the way you use the internet. A VPN lets you use the internet as if you were still in your home country, no matter how far you travel.
Streaming:
Using a VPN lets you watch movies and TV on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and HBO with freedom from ISP throttling or blocking by your ISP or local Wi-Fi network.
Wi-Fi:
Connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots like those in cafes, airports, and parks could leave your private information vulnerable. Using a VPN on your devices keeps you safe with strong encryption.
Gaming:
Using a VPN unlocks games, maps, skins, and other add-ons that might be restricted on your network. It also shields you from DDoS attacks and reduces ping and overall lag.
Sharing:
P2P file sharing usually means that strangers can see your IP address and possibly track your downloads. A VPN keeps your IP address private, letting you download with increased anonymity.
Shopping:
Some online stores show different prices to people in different countries. With a VPN, you can find the best deals in the world no matter where you’re shopping from.
Perse, as a premium paid VPN provider, ExpressVPN can offer connections optimized for speed, security, and stability. As well as a choice of 160 server locations around the world. Plus, their dedicated Support Team is available 24/7 to help.
It’s also good to know that VPNs are legal services too. And they’re consistently used by individuals and companies around the world to protect their private information and online activity. Including countries with highly restrictive governments.
Tools & Services:
Even where VPNs are seen as discouraged, many governments tacitly endorse their use by officials, academics, or business leaders. In that case, as a necessary measure to stay competitive in an interconnected world.
It is not practical for any country to ban all VPNs. Having said that, illegal online activity remains illegal, whether you are using a VPN or not. With apps for iOS and Android, ExpressVPN is easy to use on mobile devices.
More Resources:
- Proxy vs. VPN
- What is a VPN tunnel?
- Home VPN vs. business VPN
- VPN vs. remote desktop
- Is using a VPN easy?
- VPN for dummies
It’s also good to consider them since more of our digital activity — including banking, streaming, and messaging — happens on our phones and tablets. Thus, it is becoming more important to safeguard our data with a VPN on these devices, especially when using public Wi-Fi.
What are VPN Protocols?
VPN Protocols are the methods by which your device connects to the VPN server. Some protocols are better for speed, some are better for security, and some simply work better under certain network conditions.
Most VPNs use a standard set of protocols, but ExpressVPN built Lightway to outdo them all in speed, reliability, and security. Give it a try to see for yourself. Learn more about Lightway.
ExpressVPN automatically chooses the best protocol for your network, but you can also choose one manually. Below is a list of some of the most popular VPN protocols in use today. Whereby, you can click on them for more details.
These VPNs Include:
Then again, for your general information, below are several other key concepts related to VPN. Particularly, that will help you understand how a VPN works and the benefits it provides:
Proxying:
The VPN server acts like a proxy, or stand-in, for your web activity: Instead of your real IP address and location, the websites you visit will only see the IP address and location of the VPN server. This makes you more anonymous on the internet.
Authentication:
Establishing a secure connection is a tricky problem solved by clever mathematics in a process called authentication. Once authenticated, the VPN client and the VPN server can be sure they are talking to each other and no one else.
Tunneling:
VPNs also protect the connection between client and server with tunneling and encryption. Tunneling is a process by which each data packet is encapsulated inside another data packet. This makes it harder for third parties to read in transit.
Encryption:
Data inside the tunnel is also encrypted in such a way that only the intended recipient can decrypt it. This keeps the contents of your internet traffic completely private. Even your internet service provider won’t see it. You can learn more about VPN encryption in detail.
What are the Advantages of using VPNs?
First of all, if privacy is important to you, you should use ExpressVPN solutions every time you connect to the internet. Basically, an ExpressVPN app runs in the background of your device. So, it won’t get in the way while you use other apps, stream content, and browse the internet.
And you’ll have peace of mind knowing your privacy is always protected. Secondly, the advantages of a VPN can apply to the workplace as well. In addition, VPNs are ideal for remote work setups too. Simply, because employees can use them to have secure connections to their workplace PCs, no matter where they are.
Likewise, using a VPN for business ensures that valuable customer and company data is as safe as it can be, even when working from home. Below are some of the advantages & disadvantages of using a VPN.
1. Location Change
When using a VPN, your network information appears as if it is coming from a location different than your own. This disguise for network data helps keep VPN users safe because anyone looking to steal information would be getting the VPN server’s data instead.
Using a VPN keeps the user’s location and other valuable information secure and inaccessible to unwanted parties. While using a VPN changes your IP address, the unique number that identifies you, and your location in the world.
2. Privacy Protection
Unfettered access to company files and customer information can be catastrophic to a business. Using a VPN to connect to business-based networks can help ensure that sensitive data is hidden behind the dummy information provided via the VPN.
Changing your IP address with a VPN helps shield your identity from websites, apps, and services that want to track you. Good VPNs also prevent your internet provider, mobile carrier, and anyone else who may be listening from seeing your activity, thanks to a layer of strong encryption.
3. Security Increase
Using a VPN protects you from security breaches in many forms, including packet sniffing, rogue Wi-Fi networks, and man-in-the-middle attacks. Travelers, remote workers, and all kinds of on-the-go individuals use a VPN whenever they’re on an untrusted network like free public Wi-Fi.
With a new IP address, you can browse the internet as if you were in the UK, Germany, Canada, Japan, or virtually any country, if the VPN service has servers there.
4. Websites Unblocking
Many popular entertainment websites have different content accessible in specific regions. This is done for many reasons, but the bottom line is that some content is only available in a particular location.
By using a VPN to make your connection appear as if it is coming from the region where the content is available, you can easily enjoy your favorite entertainment no matter where you are. You can also use a VPN to break through firewalls on school or office networks.
If you’re in a part of the world that restricts access to Google, Wikipedia, YouTube, or other sites and services, using a VPN will let you regain access to the free internet.
5. Secure Connection
One thing for sure, we cannot also forget the secure connection for remote work. Businesses today need to consider internet safety more than ever. With more people than ever working from home, sensitive company and customer information are at a higher risk of theft.
For example, say an employee connects to a work computer remotely on a public network without using a VPN. Theoretically, anyone on that public network could gain access to the internal company network, because the employee did nothing to hide their information.
Notably, using ExpressVPN, you do not need to block outside people trying to get into your network. Especially, when they think your system is two thousand miles away in Jamaica.
6. Save Money
With ExpressVPN, you can easily save money on region-based eCommerce too. When shopping online, websites like hotels or airlines track customers’ network information to increase prices. Some eCommerce vendors will even charge different prices for services based on region.
Using a VPN to hide your location allows you to see offers unaffected by shady pricing tactics such as those mentioned above. The money you could save on flights alone could be more than you spent on the VPN.
There are new “security solutions” every day, but the latest software and firewalls can be expensive and may end up causing more issues than they prevent. You can avoid steep licensing fees or monthly charges by using a VPN.
7. Gaming Pros
If you have the bandwidth, using a VPN while gaming can have some advantages. The bonuses include protection from DDoS attacks or angry players trying to gain access to your home network. The region-free capabilities of using a VPN also mean that you could choose which servers to use when playing a game.
As a result, this could even improve your connection speeds in some situations. Some gaming titles may only be available in specific regions, and a VPN could give you access to those games as well. While it might not scan for viruses or block intruders from trying to connect to your PC, a VPN prevents the need for those features. Essentially, by making you invisible online.
What are the Disadvantages of using VPNs?
It’s important to realize, not all VPN providers are created equal. Many offer different connection speeds, among other features and services. When purchasing a VPN, make sure to thoroughly research the provider to protect yourself from potential scams and get the best deal.
Watch out for “free” VPN services. Establishing virtual connections costs money, and places that offer free VPNs have been known to steal and sell your data instead of hiding it. Here are some other important factors to consider when shopping for a VPN.
A good VPN service considers:
- Privacy. Some VPN providers log user data, which defeats the purpose of having a VPN in the first place.
- Cost. VPN prices can vary widely based on location, speed, and length of service contract. Make sure you get a VPN service that can meet your specific needs, and don’t pay for unnecessary features.
- Legality. VPN use is illegal in some countries, so make sure you are not breaking the law by using one.
- Location. Where are the VPN provider’s servers? Will these locations be able to provide you with the speeds you need?
With that in mind, before deciding to use a VPN, it’s important to understand the disadvantages of a VPN as well. The good news is that in most cases, the pros far outweigh the cons. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Slow Connection Speeds
Due to the fact that a VPN is a virtual connection existing inside of a physical network, there is always going to be some slowdown in terms of internet speeds. Creating and maintaining the VPN will take a certain amount of bandwidth, which slows connection speeds.
To put it plainly, using a VPN is taking resources from your internet, thus limiting how fast your connection through the VPN can be. This is gradually becoming less of an issue though. Obviously, because VPN services are getting better every day. Most large VPN providers boast a minimal loss of connection speeds.
2. VPN Blocking Software Exists
Those same companies that want to charge people more based on location found out about VPN use and recently have taken steps to combat it. Some eCommerce sites utilize software known as VPN blockers, which works to identify and prevent users from using VPNs.
A common way these programs work is with websites that require users to register accounts before use. The company that generally stores account information like username and email will now also store a list of your common IP addresses.
If the website notices that you are using an IP from a different location than usual, they may restrict or block your access. VPN blockers are growing in popularity right alongside VPN use.
3. Complicated Set-Up
While connecting to the internet may be easy, setting up a VPN is not. A VPN is essentially an encrypted tunnel that hides the information inside. Failing to set up the VPN correctly can result in leaks. Information leaks can occur when using a VPN that is not correctly configured.
These leaks are significantly more dangerous than browsing the web without a VPN because the leak shows that you are trying to use a VPN to hide information, thus drawing attention from unwanted parties.
For this reason, it is crucial to ensure you understand your VPN provider’s operating procedures before implementing them.
4. Dropped Connections
Even the best VPN can sometimes drop the connection. When a VPN loses connectivity, it is not the same as merely losing Wi-Fi and being disconnected from the internet. A dropped connection over VPN means that your true network information is now on display for anyone.
This also means that during a dropped connection, your ISP can see what sites you are visiting. If any site you visit violates an ISP’s terms of service— like a torrent, for example — they could shut down your connection right then and there.
5. Gaming Cons
When gaming, your connection speed is critical. Having a slow connection to game servers can be incredibly frustrating, and adding a VPN could make playing some games impossible. Users with less bandwidth may find that gaming over VPN is simply not an option.
But, as I mentioned earlier, VPNs are improving over time and consuming less bandwidth. Having said that, you can read and learn more about VPN encryption or even learn how to unlock global content in detail.
A Summary of VPN Pros & Cons
Internet security is more important than ever. Every day, more people are working from home and need to have secure connections to their workplace machines. This increase in web traffic means an increase in malicious hackers and scam services as well.
Using a VPN is one of the best ways to protect against these growing online threats.
- VPN Advantages: VPNs allow users to hide their network information and safely browse the web no matter their location. While not always ideal, the use of a VPN is often the most affordable and secure way to protect oneself online.
- VPN Disadvantages: Specific activities that require high bandwidth, such as gaming, might not be able to function using a VPN, but they are easily enabled and disabled.
In nutshell, before deciding on a VPN service, review the advantages and disadvantages, and consider important factors like cost and legality.
Final Thoughts,
Personally, what I know is that ExpressVPN is the VPN that just works for all. It offers you an all-access pass to global content. Whereby, you’ll get your favorite shows and apps wherever you are. And also stay up to date even when you’re far from home.
In other words, say goodbye to censorship and restrictions (select a plan that works for you). Not forgetting, they offer you live, 24-hour customer support (real support from real people). They’re available through instant live chat and email to help you set up and troubleshoot too.
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What’s more, you’ll get a 30-day money-back guarantee. But, how? Well, their VPN is easy to use, so is their guarantee! After all, if you’re not satisfied, they’ll refund your payment. Meaning, no hassle, no risk! Just go ahead and Get the Express VPN today!
Finally, I hope that the above-revised guide is useful to you or even your business team. But, if you’ll need more support, you can Contact Us and let us know how we can help you. You can also share your opinion thoughts, contributions, suggestions, or even questions in our comments section below.
